Introduction

Books have a profound impact on our lives, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. From childhood stories to personal and philosophical musings, certain books can transform the way we think and perceive reality. This article explores books that deeply influenced my thinking, the insights they provided, and how they changed the course of my life.

My First Transformative Book: Peppo the Pony

Peppo the Pony, given to me by my sister at the age of seven, was a pivotal text that taught me an important life lesson.

Peppo wanted to escape from his paddock and run to the distant hills where the grass was always greener. And guess what! When he got there it didn’t look any greener at all.

I initially found it hard to understand this concept; after all, who wouldn’t want greener grass? However, over time, I assimilated its profound message: the illusion of change and the importance of appreciation. This realization has stayed with me throughout my life, influencing my approach to personal and professional challenges.

Exploring Ancient History: From Tutankhamun to Akhenaten

The first book that made me think about ideas I had never considered before was an Egyptology book about King Tutankhamun. The story of Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, and the Lost Queen of Egypt captivated me partly due to the exposure to their personal lives, royal dynamics, and political intrigue. For the first time, I delved into the complexities of ancient history and the human elements behind mythic figures.

One of the most intriguing aspects was the concept of incest within the royal family and the deification of royals. I read numerous books on ancient history, including the Old Testament and the stories of Samson and Delilah, David and Bathsheba, and David’s sons. I was particularly fascinated by the history of archaeology, learning about the pioneering figures in the field such as Heinrich Schliemann and Gaston Maspero. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, the hieroglyphic interpretations, and the story of Akhetaten deepened my appreciation for the mysteries of the ancient world. Films like Howard Carter: The Man Who Found Tutankhamun and documentaries on the excavation of Akhenaten’s capital city Akhetaten reinforced my fascination with the subject.

An Intellectual Awakening: The Faith of a Heretic

At the age of 15, The Faith of a Heretic by Walter Kaufmann had a profound impact on me. This book was a turning point in my relationship with faith and reason. It provided me with permission to question my beliefs, encouraging me to use my powers of reason. This experience inspired me to embrace the philosophy major in college and pursue a career as a philosopher.

Living Ethical Principles: Mahabharat and Ramayan

The ancient Indian epics, Mahabharat and Ramayan, have played a significant role in shaping my ethical framework. These stories have taught me invaluable lessons about righteousness, duty, and the balance between good and evil. However, my first exposure to the harsh realities of violence and betrayal came through A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a stark and heartbreaking tale that opened my eyes to the darker aspects of human nature. The book vividly portrayed the life of Afghan women, especially the protagonist Mariam, who endured unimaginable hardships. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of abuse, oppression, and resilience was shocking. Initially, the book made me cringe and seek escape, but as I read on, it taught me the importance of facing reality and the power of hope in the face of adversity. This book made me realize that there is both good and bad in the world, and we must strive for balance in our understanding and actions.

Reflecting on Personal Growth and Change

Books that transform our thinking often do so by exposing us to new ideas, challenging our assumptions, and encouraging us to reflect on our beliefs. For me, these books were not just sources of knowledge but catalysts for personal growth. They taught me to embrace both the good and the bad in the world, to question my assumptions, and to seek balance in every aspect of life.

My sister, who gifted me Peppo the Pony, has been a constant source of encouragement and support. Without her, my life would have been very different. The books I have shared here have been formative experiences that have shaped my worldview and continue to influence my decisions. They remind me that books have the power to transform lives and inspire us to live more meaningful and balanced lives.